Starbucks Drive-Thru AI Could Know What You Want Before You Do - CNET
Could an AI barista know you’re craving an iced caramel macchiato? Starbucks says it will begin testing artificial intelligence for drive-up ordering — including recognizing customers as they approach — as the company focuses on integrating more automated tech, CEO Brian Niccol said on last week’s fourth-quarter 2026 earnings call.
The idea is to make ordering “faster, more convenient and more personal” for drive-up customers, which account for roughly half of all Starbucks patrons, according to Niccol. The company would begin testing background AI models for drive-thrus sometime during fiscal year 2027, which ends Sept. 28, 2027. There were no specifics as to where the testing would take place or how it would affect food and drink prices.
Niccol said AI would help input orders “more accurately and efficiently” while the baristas talk to drive-up customers to increase personal connection and speed up service.
Copyright of this story solely belongs to www.cnet.com. To see the full text click HERE
